Shuswap Lake hosts a large population of waterfowl year round. Swimmer's itch is a
natural phenomenon that occurs in many British Columbia lakes. In Shuswap Lake the itch
occurs primarily in July and August. It is a temporary skin irritation caused by invisible
parasites which use waterfowl as a host.
Humans are unsuitable hosts for the parasite, which die soon after entering the skin. The
spot where a parasite enters looks like a mosquito bite, becomes itchy and may persist for
a few days. Swimmers who wade close to shore are more susceptible to the itch than those
who swim off the end of our wharf as the itch is shore based. Most people are not
affected, however certain individuals can be more sensitive to the itch.
The following precautions are recommended:
1. Apply waterproof suntan lotion or baby oil on body before
swimming.
2. Use our outdoor shower to rinse off after swimming.
3. Towel off right away and remove wet suits as soon as
possible.
One or two of the following products should be brought on your vacation to
help relieve the itch should you develop a reaction to swimmers itch:
1. A baking soda paste applied to the rash.
2. Take antihistamines or use an anti-itch lotion with antihistamine on the rash.
3. Apply 0.5% Hydrocortisone cream to the rash.
Further information can be obtained in a pamphlet from the BC
Ministry of Environment which should be available from your local BC Government Agents
office (Q.P. #11761). Your family doctor and/or pharmacist can also provide you with
more information.
